'Notes to John' completes late author Joan Didion's trilogy on grief
NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with Knopf publisher Jordan Pavlin and Shelley Wanger, Joan Didion's longtime editor and one of her literary trustees, about the new book "Notes to John."
'Fresh Air' Host Terry Gross Awarded National Humanities Medal
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Fresh Air host and executive producer, Terry Gross. President Obama awarded her with the National Humanities Medal on Thursday. Gross has hosted Fresh Air since 1975 and was selected "for her artful probing of the human experience."
Stanford Biologist Invents Ultra Low Cost Scientific Tools
NPR's Robert Siegel interviews Manu Prakash, a physical biologist and inventor at Stanford University, about being awarded a MacArthur fellowship this year. He talks about his work using bioengineering, not just for basic research, but to invent ultra low cost scientific tools, such as microscopes kids can use anywhere in the world.
Charlotte, N.C., Police Prepare For Third Night Of Unrest
Law enforcement in Charlotte, N.C., is preparing for a third night of violence following Tuesday's fatal shooting of a man by police. The National Guard has been called in to help.
Theater Artist Anne Basting Named MacArthur Fellow
NPR's Kelly McEvers interviews Anne Basting, a theater artist and educator at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, about being awarded the MacArthur fellowship this year. She describes her work with people with cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's and dementia, using improv theater and storytelling techniques to improve their lives.
Obama Awards 2015 National Arts And Humanities Medals
President Obama awarded the 2015 National Arts and National Humanities Medals at the White House Thursday. Mel Brooks, Morgan Freeman, Berry Gordy and Philip Glass are among the many honorees.
Public Defender Points To 'Growing Frustration' Over 'Unjust System'
NPR's Kelly McEvers talks to Kevin Tully, the Mecklenburg County public defender, about the recent unrest in Charlotte, N.C., and police-community relations in the city.
Charlotte, N.C., Police Shooting Echoes 2013 Death Of Jonathan Ferrell
NPR's Kelly McEvers speaks with Roll Call columnist and Charlotte, N.C., resident Mary C. Curtis about the 2013 police shooting of Jonathan Ferrell, and how it has since affected the community.
Swedish Scientist Starts DNA Experiments On Healthy Human Embryos
A scientist in Sweden has started experiments on healthy human embryos in which DNA is altered. The aim is to determine the causes of infertility. It's the first known use of so-called "gene-editing" tools on healthy human embryos, and critics say it could potentially lead society down a very dangerous path.
Springfield, Ohio, Launches Efforts To Restart Struggling Economy
It's population has shrunk and many of its manufacturing jobs have also disappeared. The city is working hard on a turnaround plan, but young people are still more likely to leave than stay.
Anti-Defamation League Steps Up Efforts To Combat Anti-Semitism Online
The Anti-Defamation League is hiring a Silicon Valley representative to lead efforts to combat anti-Semitism and other hate speech online, says CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.